Do you have an open floor plan home? These large, often undefined spaces provide lots of flexibility, but they can be a challenge to furnish. Many interior design professionals recommend creating zones for different uses, similar to rooms without walls. And one of the best, and easiest, ways to create your zones is with area rugs. How can you use rugs to build cohesive but unique zones? Here are five key tips.

1. Use the Right Size Rug

Don't expect a large entertainment zone to coalesce around a tiny rug. Conversely, don't opt for a large area rug if you only want to create a corner reading nook. An area rug sets the visual dimensions of the zone, so use it to create your perimeters. People will inherently understand and adapt their expectations of that zone. 

2. Add Texture and Style

A luxurious or surprising rug creates a centerpiece for the zone, drawing people's attention to it. The texture, shades, and style also give you a chance to set that zone apart from other nearby zones. 

3. Coordinate Elements

Because an open floor plan doesn't have a lot of visual barriers, much of it is all seen at once. This means that you don't want to confuse the room with vastly different colors, styles, themes, and décor. Instead, coordinate different zones by carrying over features from one to another. Use a coordinated color palette in the rugs, for instance, or patterns that cross over. 

4. Feel Free to Layer

In a large open area, sometimes one area rug isn't interesting or cozy enough. But you can always layer a smaller rug over a larger one for an added touch. Many designers even like to layer different shapes, such as a circular rug over a large square one. This doubles the impact and gives you another way to tie in different zones together. 

5. Contrast With Neutrals

Many open floor plans have a neutral color scheme on walls and floors. Liven up your space, then, by contrasting this with more dramatic or interesting area rugs. On the other hand, if the room already has statement colors or a lot of patterns, consider a more neutral rug. But don't feel that neutral must be boring — a beautiful and high-quality handmade rug can be stunning in any color or any style. 

Want more ideas for using area rugs in your open floor plan? Start by learning more about the options available from rug sellers like Rug Resources in your area today. You're sure to find the rugs that will bring your home to life.